Hatboro Library Makes Space for Seniors

Comfy chairs. Coffee and tea. Reading materials. Conversation.

All of the elements commonly found at coffeehouses are now an integral part of The Union Library of Hatboro, which recently converted two small rooms in the center of the library to house programs for people 55 and up.

"They tell us not to use the word 'senior,' " Librarian Harriet Ehrsam said of the space she has instead dubbed the "next page."

A $4,000 Library Services and Technology Act grant covered the cost of comfortable chairs, jigsaw puzzles, new computer monitors and keyboards for older individuals who have difficulty reading smaller print, as well as DVDs and books that are geared toward that age group, according to Ehrsam. 

The library will hold a grand opening for the space on Saturday during its annual May Fair and Book Sale, but Ehrsam said a fitness event attended by 15 people was held there last month.

"It seems to be generating quite a bit of interest," she said. 

A floral arrangement workshop is slated for Thursday and an author will be speaking at an event in June, Ehrsam said. Future programming will include discussions about retirement, health issues, as well as crafts–including a knitting and crochet group–"that might be of interest to seniors."

Other plans include art displays featuring work made by individuals age 55 and up. Ehrsam said she'd like to highlight a new local senior every six weeks or so.

Ehrsam said she saw the opportunity for the grant and then worked with 10 people on a senior advisory board to move it to fruition. Surveys that the library conducted in late 2010 determined that "a good portion of our population who use the library are over 55" and were interested in Medicare, health issues and similar talks or resources, according to Ehrsam.